Talks aimed at ending Gaza conflict enter third day with top Trump envoy expected to join negotiations in Egypt

Talks to end the war in Gaza appeared to advance on Wednesday, as top officials from all sides headed to Egypt, and Hamas submitted a list of prisoners to be released in exchange for the hostages it is holding, saying that “optimism” was prevailing.

Negotiations began on Monday in the resort town of Sharm el Sheikh in the Sinai Peninsula over a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to end the two-year Gaza war and release the 48 hostages held in the Strip. The plan also calls for Hamas to disarm and give up control of the territory to an international force as Israel withdraws its troops.

Israel, Hamas and the US, as well as Middle Eastern countries serving as mediators, have expressed optimism about the talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he accepted Trump’s plan. But it was unclear if longstanding sticking points, over issues such as the terror group’s disarmament and the scope of Israel’s withdrawal, could be overcome.

In a sign that the talks are progressing, the architects of Trump’s plan, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, arrived in Sharm el Sheikh on Wednesday.

They join a roster of senior officials from the participating parties: Top Hamas leaders Taher al-Nunu and Khalil al-Hayya are in Sharm el Sheikh. Strategic Affairs Minister and Netanyahu confidant Ron Dermer was also due to join the talks on Wednesday afternoon, according to an Israeli official.